Chicago Cubs World Series: Wrigleyville security, street closures, parking, transit
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Unprecedented crowds are expected in Wrigleyville throughout the Cubs' historic World Series against the Cleveland Indians, whether they're playing away or at home. Here are a few guidelines to keep fans safe and secure during the celebration.
World Series Schedule - Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Indians
Game 6: 7:08 p.m. CST on Tuesday, Nov. 1, in Cleveland
Game 7: 7:08 p.m. CST on Wednesday, Nov. 2, in Cleveland
Chicago will be activating its Emergency Operations Center for the weekend, with more than 1,000 officers, troopers and federal agents - some in uniform and some in plain clothes - in Wrigleyville and around the city. A CPD memo said officers should be ready to work a 12-hour day and should have soft body armor with them, as well as a helmet, baton and rain gear.
"Time off, aside from personal days and previously approved furlough days, will not be granted to any member of the department," the memo said.
"Security during the entire series will be very high," Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said.
Security checks will be conducted within two blocks of Wrigley Field, including random bag checks. Checkers will particularly be on the lookout for alcohol.
"Any alcohol found will be confiscated," OEMC First Deputy Director Rich Guidice said.
Bars are also taking precautions. Murphy's Bleachers said they plan to remove tables and chairs from the patio as a security measure. All Wrigleyville bars will also serve all drinks in plastic cups; no aluminum cans or glass bottles allowed.
Alderman Tom Tunney (44th Ward) warned residents to be prepared for street closures, parking restrictions and hordes of visitors.
"It's going to be an inconvenient weekend, to park, get in and out," Tunney said.
Only local traffic will be allowed in the area around Wrigley Field and residents must show their ID to prove they live there. All residents should keep proof of address on them at all times from Friday through Sunday.
Police said there will also be counterfeit ticket enforcement and warned fans not to buy tickets on the street.
The Cubs will also provide neighborhood security before and after the games as well, but Chicago's top cop has a simple bit of advice for fans:
"If you don't have a ticket to the event, we encourage you to gather with friends, order some food and celebrate at home in your neighborhood. Traffic will be very heavy around Wrigleyville," Johnson said.
PARKING RESTRICTIONS
UPDATE TO PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED RESTRICTIONS: No parking between Tuesday, Nov. 1 at noon through Friday, Nov. 4 at 4:00 a.m.:
- Clark from Aldine to Irving Park
- Sheffield from Grace to Roscoe
- Addison from Halsted to Southport
- Racine from: Clark to Roscoe
- Irving Park from Clark to Seminary
- Eddy from Clark to Racine
- Cornelia from Clark to Racine
- Newport from Clark to Racine
- Patterson from Clark to Racine
- Clifton: Waveland to Grace
- Seminary: Waveland to Grace
- Kenmore: Waveland to Grace
- Seminary: Newport to Eddy
- Cornelia: Wilton to Sheffield
- Grace: Wilton to Clark
- Waveland: Wilton to Racine
UPDATE TO PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED RESTRICTIONS: Through Wednesday, Nov. 2, motorists and residents can also expect parking restrictions from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily, on the following streets:
- Webster: Sheffield to Bissell
- Lincoln: Webster to Fullerton
- Division: State to Dearborn
- Hubbard: State to LaSalle
- Wells: North Avenue to Division
- Kinzie: State to Clark
SECURITY
UPDATE TO PREVIOUS ENFORCEMENT MEASURES:
SCALING POLES, BARRICADES OR EQUIPMENT IS PROHIBITED. Violators risk arrest.
TRUCK TRAFFIC: Truck traffic will be prohibited within a one block radius of Wrigley Field by 3 p.m. on game days.
As a reminder the following security measures and street closures will also be in place throughout the weekend:
SECURITY CHECK-POINTS: CPD officers will conduct security checks within a two-block perimeter of the field, and any alcohol found on the public way will be confiscated.
RESIDENTIAL PERIMETER: A secondary perimeter will be put into effect during home games to restrict incoming traffic to local residential traffic only. Motorists will have to provide a photo ID with proof of address to enter.
DRONES: The City reminds fans and residents that using drones in public spaces in Chicago is illegal, and anyone caught using one will be arrested.
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING: Whether attending the game or watching the World Series in local businesses in Wrigleyville or other areas of the city, fans should be mindful to respect the surrounding communities and, as always, be vigilant and report any suspicious activity. If fans notice suspicious criminal activity or suspicious objects, call 9-1-1 or notify on-site security immediately. Some of these activities could be innocent; however, it's up to law enforcement to determine whether the behavior warrants investigations so, If You See Something, Say Something.
STREET CLOSURES: The following street closures are expected to be in effect on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, when deemed necessary, and could last for hours after a game:
Clark: Irving Park to Roscoe
Addison: Halsted to Racine
Additional street closures may occur, as needed, for public safety.
PROHIBITED ITEMS: Fans should be aware of the following items not allowed in ballpark:
Alcohol
Bags (exceeding 16" x 16" x 8" inches)
Brooms
Containers - cans, glass, hard-sided coolers, thermoses or flasks
Illegal drugs
Inflatables (such as beach balls)
Laser pointers
Luggage or car seats
Nets
Noise makers
Non-factory sealed plastic bottles (permitted if empty)
Portable stadium seats
Selfie sticks
Unmanned aerial vehicles
Weapons of any kind
Any other items deemed inappropriate by ballpark operations personnel.
*All bags are subject to inspection.
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For updates:
There is also a larger safety zone around Wrigley Field, which will be subject to parking restrictions and towing at the discretion of police and OEMC officials. That safety zone extends from West Irving Park road to West Belmont Avenue and North Southport Avenue to North Halsted Street.
Residents are asked to carry a photo ID and proof of residence to show police.
Limo and Taxi Information
-Limousines and ride share services must drop-off, pickup and stage on Irving Park Road between Clark and Seminary.
-Taxi staging will be near Addison and Racine and also near Addison and Halsted.
CTA service
The Chicago Transit Authority will provide extra rail and bus service for the Chicago Cubs World Series home games.
CTA plans to provide additional service for the Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Indians World Series games at Wrigley Field (Games 3, 4, and 5, if applicable) currently scheduled for Friday, October 28, Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30. First pitch is scheduled for 7:08 p.m.
Red Line: Additional train service will be provided leading up to first pitch through the end of the game. Addison Red Line (wheelchair accessible) is closest station.
Yellow Line: Train service between Howard and Skokie will be extended until 2 a.m.
Bus: Additional service on the #80 Irving Park and the #152 Addison will be available starting about three hours before the game begins. There will also be extra service available after the game for approximately one hour. The #8 Halsted and #22 Clark routes are also a good way to get to the game.
PLAN AHEAD: PURCHASE FARES EARLY!
The CTA strongly recommends that customers purchase fares in advance to decrease travel times and avoid long lines at rail station vending machines.
Customers can load ahead of time transit value or unlimited ride passes (1-day, 3-day, 7-day and 30-day) to their Ventra fare cards via the free Ventra app, at rail stations, online or at nearly 1,300 local retailers (for locations available or to download the app, visit ventrachicago.com). Other ways to pay fares include purchasing from CTA vending machines 1-day unlimited ride tickets ($10) or single-ride tickets ($3) that offer up to two transfers in two hours. Customers can also pay their fares with contactless bankcards and mobile wallets.
STAY IN THE LOOP ON CTA SERVICE
Plan your trip using the Google Transit Trip Planner. Be sure to also check out CTA on Facebook or Twitter (@CTA) for system travel updates and alerts. For details about all CTA service, call 312-836-7000 or visit the CTA website at transitchicago.com.
PARKING
-Residential Permit Parking will be in effect and will be strictly enforced. Vehicles parked in violation of the permit parking regulations are subject to ticket and tow. Cubs Night Game Tow Zone is in effect from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
-Priority towing will take place in all special areas designated as no parking.
-Vehicles parking in violation of parking regulations resulting in a public hazard, such as bus stops no parking/tow zones, crosswalks, driveways, alleys, etc. will be strictly enforced and are subject to ticket and tow.
-The Cubs Hotline is open one hour before until two hours after all home games. Residents are encouraged to contact either the Night Game Hotline, 1-866-427-3869, or 911 to report problems and issues.
-It shall be unlawful for any person other than the city or an agent of the city to sell, offer for sale, expose for sale any residential parking permit, one-day permit, or other permit issued for any other parking permit program. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $1,500.
-"Hospitality Teams," an independent third party hired by the Chicago Cubs, will be present throughout the neighborhood. The teams aims to provide a visible presence in the community and provide post-game crowd observation and incident response.
-Tailgating and alcohol consumption on the public way are prohibited and will be strictly enforced.
-Loitering will not be permitted on any streets surrounding Wrigley Field including, but not limited to; Clark, Addison, Waveland and Sheffield.
FAKE TICKETS
Beginning Sept. 7, registration opened for fans to enter the lottery to purchase tickets to the NLDS and NLCS. The registration period of the NLDS ended on Sept. 21. The registration period for the NLCS ends on Oct. 7.
CLICK HERE to register for a chance to purchase 2016 postseason tickets.
Cubs playoff tickets will be a red-hot commodity during the postseason. Great deals may be too good to be true. The Better Business Bureau issued a warning Tuesday about counterfeit tickets.
The agency said fans should only buy them from a reputable ticket broker or retailer or licensed site, avoid one-time deals and make sure the MLB's official hologram and license is on the tickets. The BBB also urged consumers to purchase tickets with a credit card, so that if they do get scammed, they can dispute the charge before paying their bill.
The Cubs also advised fans not to post pictures of their tickets on social media. The bar code can be copied and resold as fake tickets.
